Private message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_umbridge]

Madam Pomfrey,

I thought I had made it extremely clear just this week that I wished you to report all professional matters that affect Hogwarts. Yet I find myself led to the inescapeable conclusion that you have, again, omitted crucial information, and on a grave matter.

As you know, we here at Hogwarts have standards and traditions to maintain. Our staff must be above reproach. I trust you take my meaning.

Explain yourself, as promptly as possible.

Comments

[alt_poppy]

Ah, Headmistress.

I had thought to write you as soon as my weekly report was complete. I should like a word or three with you at your earliest convenience.

As for your question here, I confess I'm not sure what clarification you are requesting.

[alt_umbridge]

A word on what topic, then, if not this?

Partiality to certain individuals may explain but can never excuse the withholding of information. My goodness, especially since some advance notice is absolutely necessary should there be a need to effect a swift but smooth transition in personnel.

I had expected better of you, I must say.

[alt_poppy]

I have not the slightest notion what you are suggesting. About whom are you asking?

[alt_poppy]

I assure you that Professor Dolohov's condition is very much improved and that I have no reason to think him anything less than entirely capable of going on with his duties.

[alt_umbridge]

I refer to the possibility that one among us may be expecting a happy event without the happiness of a formal union. To be precise, Aurora Sinistra.

Really, just because Our Lord has given his approval to the pairing does not mean that the appropriate societal forms can be flouted willy-nilly! And with impressionable children around, well. I am shocked, I truly am. And the more so that you would not only condone such a thing, but aid in its concealment.

I simply cannot think that that is how a Healer should behave, especially one entrusted with so weighty and sacred a task as safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our dear students and staff here at Hogwarts. This is a grave matter indeed.

[alt_poppy]

Indeed. You are quite right that a Matron's task is to treat the health and wellbeing of the students and staff of this school.

It is on that subject that I wish to speak with you, in fact. I must protest that certain 'punishments' used on students of late have caused physical harm with the potential for quite serious consequences. As it is surely not your intention to inflict lasting harm on the young people in our care, I feel it necessary to call to your attention that open wounds risk infection, that slipping hexes risk broken bones, especially on this castle's stairs, that nausea hexes risk inducing vomiting capable of causing haemorrhagic bleeding, that entrapment charms risk blood clots which can lead to brain haemorrhage in persons forced to sit without moving for long periods. Of course, one would far prefer to avoid injury in the first place, but at the very least, it is of the utmost importance that students not be discouraged from seeking care for severe injuries. Surely there are sufficient penalties for behaviour modification that do not inflict physical damage?

As for Professor Sinistra, I assure you that she is in sound health and that the rumour you have apparently heard is quite untrue. I can only think that your good faith has been abused by malicious gossip.

[alt_umbridge]

In former times - some of the golden years of the school, by many accounts, back nearer the turn of the century - punishments were far harsher, with extensive time spent in the dungeons. And yet, the school and the wizarding community thrived at those times. Certainly our students grew into a sense of self-control, discipline, and diligence that is sorely lacking today.

While I find those specific methods a trifle crude, I do believe that giving students sufficient time to recognise the error of their ways is a sound pedagogical practice. And more than a few students are sufficiently troublesome that blunt physical punishment is the best way to quickly adjust their thinking.

In short, the physical punishments will continue, and I expect you to support my decisions in this matter, including avoiding all but the most critical care in treating the effects of the punishment.

As to Aurora, it is no such thing as gossip. I saw her myself leaving your Infirmary, she's written to you multiple times recently, and she admits herself that she has little appetite in the mornings. I certainly have reason to suspect that she and Rabastan have disobeyed my clear instructions to avoid any hint of impropriety in their interactions.

What else am I to make of those many pieces of data? Do you have recent tests that confirm the accuracy of your statement?

[alt_poppy]

I adhere to my oaths as a Healer, Headmistress. Thus, while it is yours to discipline as you believe necessary, it is my duty to provide treatment to those in need of my care.

As for Aurora, I can only repeat that you are mistaken.

[alt_umbridge]

We are certainly not done with this conversation. You may expect me shortly.